TIDMVANL

RNS Number : 5155A

Van Elle Holdings PLC

22 January 2020

Van Elle Holdings plc

22 January 2020

Interim results for the six months ended 31 October 2019

Van Elle Holdings plc ("Van Elle", the "Company" or the "Group"), the leading geotechnical engineering company offering a wide range of ground engineering techniques and services to customers in a variety of UK construction end markets, announces its interim results for the six months ended 31 October 2019.

Highlights

 
                                    6 months ended   6 months ended   Change 
                                       31 Oct 2019      31 Oct 2018        % 
---------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------- 
 Revenue (GBPm)                               48.5             42.9     13.1 
 Underlying* EBITDA (GBPm)                     3.7              5.2   (28.8) 
 Reported EBITDA (GBPm)                        3.5              4.8   (27.1) 
 Underlying* operating profit 
  (GBPm)                                       1.5              3.0   (50.0) 
 Reported operating profit 
  (GBPm)                                       1.2              2.6   (53.8) 
 Underlying* profit before 
  taxation (GBPm)                              1.1              2.8   (60.7) 
 Reported profit before taxation 
  (GBPm)                                       0.9              2.4   (62.5) 
 Underlying* earnings per 
  share (p)                                    1.2              2.8   (57.1) 
 Reported earnings per share 
  (p)                                          0.9              2.4   (62.5) 
 Dividend per share (p)                        0.2              1.0   (80.0) 
 Operating cash conversion 
  **(%)                                      41.8%           100.3% 
 Return on capital employed*** 
  (%)                                         2.8%             6.4% 
---------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------- 
 

* before share-based payments and exceptional costs

** defined as cash generated from operations divided by EBITDA less profit on sale of fixed assets

*** Return on capital employed calculated as underlying operating profit divided by net assets less cash and excluding loans and borrowings

The October 2019 results are not directly comparable to the previous periods as a result of the adoption of IFRS 16. The impact on the results is not considered to be material and is explained in note 1

Summary highlights

-- Despite a challenging market backdrop, the benefit of self-help initiatives and revenue growth resulted in an improving performance as the half progressed

-- Revenue grew by 13.1% to GBP48.5m (H1 2019: GBP42.9m), reflecting growth in the housing and highways markets, contrasted with subdued conditions in commercial and rail markets

-- Underlying PBT reduced to GBP1.1m (H1 2019: GBP2.8m), reflecting a weak first quarter and adverse sales mix across the period

-- Progress against the previously announced transformation programme remains on track, with phase 1 now substantially complete:

o Simplified divisional structure implemented with each under new, strengthened leadership;

o All operations now based at a single site in Kirkby in Ashfield;

o Positive developments with strategic customer engagement and development of bid pipelines;

o Operational performance stabilised, with a continued focus on margin improvement;

o Ongoing investment in the development of new products and services to diversify capabilities

-- Cash performance was affected by some long running final accounts, but net debt is manageable at GBP10.4m (H1 2019: GBP5.6m) after adjustment for adoption of IFRS16

-- Due to subdued profitability in the first half the Board is recommending a reduced interim dividend of 0.2 pence per share (FY2019: 1.0 pence)

-- The Group's new Chief Financial Officer, Graeme Campbell, joins Van Elle from Severfield plc on 17 February 2020

Mark Cutler, Chief Executive, commented:

"The business continues to improve and, despite challenging market conditions through the first half, we have made progress. We have a clear strategy focused on three core markets - housing, infrastructure and regional construction - where we offer a broad range of end-to-end technical capabilities through our extensive and well-invested rig fleet. Good progress continues to be made in building long term and strategic relationships with our key customers in all sectors.

"Operational performance is stable with previous challenges now substantially addressed. The simplified divisional structure with motivated, co-located teams under strengthened leadership means that we are more efficient and joined-up. This allows us to focus even more intently on customer service, operational excellence, margin improvement and cash generation.

"Whilst mindful of ongoing volatility across construction markets and recognising a slower Q3 than previous years due to subdued rail activity, the Board expects some market improvement and further progress in the balance of the second half. This is also supported by the benefits of ongoing improvements under the Group's transformation programme. Consequently, the Board expects to deliver results for the full year within the range of market expectations."

For further information please contact:

 
 Instinctif Partners (Financial PR)   Tel: 020 7457 2020 
 Mark Garraway 
  James Gray 
  Rosie Driscoll 
 
 Peel Hunt LLP (Broker)               Tel: 020 7418 8900 
 Charles Batten 
  Mike Bell 
  Edward Allsopp 
 

Van Elle Holdings plc - Interim Report to 31 October 2019

Strategic overview

Van Elle continues to be in transition, following a plan focused on improving the performance of the business through a range of organisational, commercial and operational actions whilst also putting in place the building blocks of future sustainable growth in line with our updated strategy.

Good progress is being made in delivery of the three-phase transformation programme and early benefits are starting to be evidenced despite the challenging market conditions that have prevailed though FY2019 and the first half of FY2020.

Phase one of the three-phase transformation programme is now substantially complete, with highlights including:

- The restructuring of the business divisions is substantially complete with several key managerial changes made during the period aimed at improving the leadership capability and acting on areas of identified efficiency opportunity.

- The rationalisation of multiple offices into a single open plan site in Kirkby was completed in the first quarter. This has improved internal communications and facilitated greater efficiency of information flow and back office support.

- The bidding process and governance has been strengthened alongside a programme of more intensive customer engagement. This continues to deliver a strong order book despite increased levels of competition in a market which remains volatile.

   -     Further commercial appointments have been made to strengthen the divisional capabilities. 

- Operational performance is satisfactory and, in particular, the issues faced last year in the General Piling business have been addressed. Across the Group, consistency of delivery has been enhanced through the roll-out of the Perfect Delivery programme which applies lessons learned from past performance to focus on operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

- Efficiency savings are continuously targeted through process improvement and a streamlining of overhead structures as appropriate, without inhibiting our capacity to grow. A cost reduction programme is focused on waste reduction and synergies across the business.

- Investment in new products and services, both enhancements to existing core capabilities and the development of new specialist techniques and services continues through an active innovation programme.

- Best practice forums, corporate learning, training programmes and employee engagement programmes all continue to improve operational efficiency.

In the second half of the financial year, the focus will remain on further embedding these internal improvements and continuing to develop the foundations for expected growth. The Board expects some modest improvement in market conditions in the second half which should support continued positive momentum, building on the progress seen in the first half.

Trading review

For the six months ended 31 October 2019, revenue increased by 13.1% GBP48.5m (H1 2019: GBP42.9m). Sales were segmented to our end markets as follows: Residential 51.3% (H1 2019: 50.8%), Infrastructure 25.9% (H1 2019: 28.2%) and Regional Construction 22.5% (H1 2019: 19.7%).

As previously reported, trading activity in the first quarter was relatively subdued and below prior year levels as a result of weak contractor confidence and continued project delays. The second quarter saw a promising upturn in overall activity as key projects were mobilised in certain segments of the UK construction market.

In terms of divisional performance, whilst General and Specialist Piling revenues were slightly down compared to the comparative period in the prior year, there has been significant growth within Ground Engineering Services, up approximately GBP7m to GBP17m; driven primarily by housing sector growth as a result of improved customer focus and closer relationships with national housebuilders which are seeking faster build times and integrated piling and foundation solutions.

In contrast the Group has seen increased competition in the regional construction market and subdued activity levels in the rail sector (as a result of delays to Network Rail's CP6 programme), impacting on several of the Group's higher margin activities.

Underlying Profit Before Tax was weaker at GBP1.1m (H1 2019: GBP2.8m), resulting from the impact on overhead recovery of lower revenues in the first quarter and the generally adverse sales mix across the first half, described above. The Group also completed two challenging contracts in the first quarter which suffered delay and additional costs and are subject to ongoing commercial resolution.

Despite increased levels of competition in a market which remains volatile, the Group's focus on bidding process and governance, alongside a programme of more intensive customer engagement continues to deliver a strong orderbook, which, adopting the more prudent basis previously advised, sits at GBP32.0m at the period end (FY 2019: GBP34.0m).

Working capital performance has been more challenging than in previous periods, primarily due to several projects awaiting final account resolution and some evidence of poor payment practice amongst a minority of our customers. Action has been taken to further strengthen customer risk assessment processes and strengthen the divisional commercial teams to address this. Whilst the Group doesn't envisage any material issues with receivable recovery, it has deemed it appropriate to take a further GBP150K provision against aged debtors.

The Group has continued to invest positively in the development of new and innovative products and services while maintaining a cautious rig investment programme. These include the development of a new operational capability for vibro stone columns ('vibro') targeted at the housing and industrial building sectors; the continued development of the Group's unique rail track bed stabilisation system; the wider application of the Smartfoot modular foundations system in housing, and several other specialist piling techniques that will support long term growth opportunities. In the period the cost of new property, plant and equipment (PPE) investment has been GBP2.3m and related development expenditure was GBP420K, the latter capitalised as intangible assets in accordance with IAS 38.

Whilst rig acquisition remains selective, management continues to appraise opportunities to increase its fleet on a strategic basis. In line with this approach, the Group acquired an additional new driven rig targeted at its housing sector operations, certain specialist assets at auction following the liquidation of rail competitor Aspin and two second hand vibro rigs in the period

Net debt at 31 October 2019 of GBP10.4m (H1 2019: GBP5.6m) includes GBP3.9m of lease liabilities arising from the adoption of IFRS16. The comparison of net debt is set out in note 7.

The Group's banking facilities are unchanged with a GBP2.5m unused overdraft facility in place with Lloyds. The Group also has a GBP900K business loan secured against freehold property which is due to be repaid by the end of 2020. This loan has been reclassified as repayable on demand due to a breach in the original covenants caused by low first half profitability. While the Board is satisfied that the Group continues to operate with sufficient cash reserves (and the cash position has improved further since the period end) in view of the more challenging working capital position and increased debtors, while focused on the objective to reduce net debt by year end, the Board have implemented more rigorous cash management disciplines and regularly reviews cashflow forecasts.

Operating performance in the period

General Piling

Revenue was marginally lower at GBP17.7m (H1 2019: GBP18.5m), primarily as a result of a subdued first quarter, reflecting delays to projects experienced at the end of FY 2019 and a single challenging contract on which the Group's entitlement is the subject of ongoing claims recovery. As the Group's largest division, the impact of the lower revenue in the early part of the year had a significant impact on overhead recovery and together with a weaker work mix, with reduced levels of rotary piling, contributed to a reduction in underlying operating profit of 51% to GBP227K (H1 2019: GBP465K).

Under new leadership since the beginning of the financial year, the division has continued the operational and work winning improvements outlined previously and progress was evident from Q1 into Q2 as a result. However, whilst volume levels were more encouraging, the division continues to experience a sub-optimal work mix with fewer higher margin rotary schemes and greater competition from major rivals than in prior years. Several of the smaller rigs have also been redeployed to the Housing division in order to take best advantage of the opportunities available to the Group.

Specialist Piling

The division, comprising the Specialist Piling and Rail business units saw revenue marginally reduced to GBP14.0m (H1 2019: GBP14.5m) although underlying operating profit was down 80% at 394K (H1 2019: GBP1.93m).

After continued delays in Q1 and a challenging contract now commercially resolved and which is subject to re-pricing for future phases, the Specialist Piling unit performed in line with expectations during the second quarter. The improvements as a result of successfully mobilised and commenced operations on several Smart Motorways projects, some of which will run for up to two years. The previously announced, more selective approach to ground stabilisation activity (and the closure of the former dedicated division) has been successfully implemented and continues to compliment the wider integrated range of services.

The Rail business unit has been heavily impacted throughout the period by delays to Network Rail's CP6 programme and the completion of some longer running CP5 projects, resulting in redeployment of personnel and restructuring including some redundancies. In parallel, the business has focussed intensively on customer key account development and preparations for growth in CP6 and has diversified slightly in order to increase resilience, including a more comprehensive sheet piling offer and development of its first track bed stabilisation opportunities in Ireland.

The rail sector is typically the Group's highest margin segment and so the impact of the very challenging market conditions in this sector during the first half have had a material adverse impact on divisional and Group profitability. However, Van Elle remains a clear market leader in these activities and the potential opportunities presented by the mobilisation of major investment programmes, including CP6 and HS2, are significant.

Ground Engineering Services

Revenue increased significantly to GBP16.9m (H1 2019: GBP9.9m) and underlying operating profit increased 24% to GBP804K (H1 2019: GBP647K)

Ground Engineering Services comprises the Housing division, including the Smartfoot modular foundation system and Strata, the Geotechnical division. Revenues have grown strongly driven by closer relationships with national housebuilders which are seeking faster build times and integrated piling and foundation solutions. This is a segment in which the Group continues to invest for the long term and in the period has diversified its services though the development of specialist vibro piling techniques and further developments to its precast concrete Smartfoot foundation system. Strata has also seen strong revenue growth driven primarily by ground investigation on major highways projects in which we are developing a strong reputation alongside our piling activity.

Market overview

Across the Infrastructure sector the Group experienced mixed fortunes in the period. In highways, the Group successfully mobilised several Smart Motorway projects where it enjoys a market leading position. In rail volumes were significantly down on the prior year as preparations for Network Rail's CP6 programme impacted workload across the market. Although some restructuring and redeployment has been necessary, the business is well positioned with a strong reputation and differentiated capabilities to be able to mobilise quickly once spending starts to accelerate as expected in the second half.

The regional construction market has been and remains highly competitive, but due to closer working relationships with our customers, including earlier engagement on projects, the Group has secured several good quality projects and has improved its execution compared to last year. The Group is not expecting a material improvement in regional markets in the second half, although some confidence is expected to return following the UK General Election result.

The residential market continues to offer growth opportunities to the Group, both in private housing and also larger scale residential and retirement sectors. The business has successfully diversified its offering in the period in order to take greater advantage of these opportunities and has redeployed resources internally to enable greater operational control as our customer base widens.

Board news

The Board is pleased to confirm that Graeme Campbell will take up the role of Chief Financial Officer on 17 February 2020, following the announcement of his appointment in September 2019. Graeme was previously Chief Financial Officer of ASX-listed engineering services company Engenco and joins Van Elle from Severfield plc.

Dividend

In view of the weak trading performance in the first half and the dependence on improved second half trading, the Board is declaring a reduced dividend of 0.2 pence per share (H1 2019: 1.0 pence) and will decide on the level of dividend for the year once the second half performance is known. The interim dividend will be paid on 27 March 2020 to shareholders on the register on 14 February 2020. The shares will be marked ex-dividend on 13 February 2020.

The board has become aware of a technical compliance irregularity concerning the final dividend for the year ended 30 April 2019 approved at the Company's annual general meeting on 12 September 2019. This is explained in note 1.

Current trading and outlook

Current activity levels and prospects in Housing and Highways remain positive, with further opportunities presented by the development investment made in the first half.

As expected, and in light of the subdued market activity levels during the delayed transition to the CP6 funding period, the Group undertook significantly less rail work over the Christmas period than in the prior year. Nevertheless, the Board does expect modest improvement to both the rail and commercial building markets as the second half progresses, which may be further bolstered in the event that CP6 rail spending accelerates and/or the HS2 project is given the go-ahead, although the timing of any such recovery remains uncertain.

The actions being taken by the management team under the Group's transformation programme to improve operational performance are yielding early benefits and these actions will continue in tandem with expected increased activity levels and improved work mix described above, in the second half and beyond.

Whilst mindful of the ongoing volatility across construction markets, the Board expects the Group to make further progress in the second half, supported by the benefits of ongoing improvements under the Group's transformation programme. Consequently, the Board expects to deliver results for the full year within the range of market expectations.

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

 
 
 
                                                                                          6 months 
                                                                6 months to                     to    12 months to 
 
                                                                31 Oct 2019            31 Oct 2018     30 Apr 2019 
 
                                       Note                     (unaudited)            (unaudited)       (audited) 
 
                                                                    GBP'000                GBP'000         GBP'000 
 ------------------------------------  ----  ------------------------------  ---------------------  -------------- 
 Revenue                                2                            48,524                 42,921          88,468 
 Cost of sales                                                     (35,282)               (28,841)        (60,281) 
 ------------------------------------  ----  ------------------------------  ---------------------  -------------- 
 Gross profit                                                      (13,242)                 14,080          28,187 
 Administrative expenses                                           (12,013)               (11,453)        (23,625) 
 ------------------------------------  ----  ------------------------------  ---------------------  -------------- 
 Operating Profit                                                     1,229                  2,627           4,562 
 ------------------------------------  ----  ------------------------------  ---------------------  -------------- 
 Operating profit before share-based 
  payments and exceptional costs                                      1,455                  3,038           5,244 
 Share based payments                   5                              (80)                   (80)           (123) 
 Exceptional cost                       4                             (146)                  (331)           (559) 
 ------------------------------------  ----  ------------------------------  ---------------------  -------------- 
 Operating profit                                                     1,229                  2,627           4,562 
 ------------------------------------  ----  ------------------------------  ---------------------  -------------- 
 Finance expense                                                      (322)                  (297)           (579) 
 Finance income                                                          12                     25              52 
 ------------------------------------  ----  ------------------------------  ---------------------  -------------- 
 Profit before tax                                                      919                  2,355           4,035 
 Income tax expense                                                   (175)                  (471)           (823) 
 ------------------------------------  ----  ------------------------------  ---------------------  -------------- 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the year                                                          744                  1,884           3,212 
 ------------------------------------  ----  ------------------------------  ---------------------  -------------- 
 Earnings per share (pence) 
 Basic                                  5                               0.9                    2.4             4.0 
 Diluted                                5                               0.9                    2.4             4.0 
 ------------------------------------  ----  ------------------------------  ---------------------  -------------- 
 
 
 

All amounts relate to continuing operations. There was no other comprehensive income in either the current or preceding period/year.

Consolidated statement of financial position

As at 31 October 2019

 
                                         31 Oct 2019    31 Oct 2018   30 Apr 2019 
                                         (unaudited)    (unaudited)     (audited) 
                                             GBP'000        GBP'000       GBP'000 
-------------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
 Non-current assets 
 Property, plant and equipment                19,150         39,038        38,486 
  Right-of-use assets                         22,987              -             - 
 Intangible assets                             2,685          2,303         2,289 
-------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
                                              44,822         41,341        40,775 
 ------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                   2,960          2,372         2,882 
 Trade and other receivables                  21,931         19,946        20,558 
 Corporation tax receivable                        -              -           118 
 Cash and cash equivalents                     3,949          9,384         7,997 
-------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
                                              28,840         31,702        31,555 
 ------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Total assets                                 73,662         73,043        72,330 
-------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                     15,922         14,830        16,506 
 Loans and borrowings                          5,231          5,071         4,695 
 Provisions                                      236            253           236 
 Corporation tax payable                           6            438             - 
-------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
                                              21,395         20,592        21,437 
 ------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Loans and borrowings                          9,121          9,945         7,534 
 Deferred tax                                  1,061          1,016         1,298 
-------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
                                              10,182         10,961         8,832 
 ------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Total liabilities                            31,577         31,553        30,269 
-------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Net assets                                   42,085         41,490        42,061 
-------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
 Equity 
 Share capital                                 1,600          1,600         1,600 
 Share premium                                 8,633          8,633         8,633 
 Retained earnings                            31,834         31,239        31,810 
 Non-controlling interest                         18             18            18 
-------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Total equity                                 42,085         41,490        42,061 
-------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
 

The unaudited interim consolidated statement was approved by the Board of Directors on 21 January 2020.

Consolidated statement of cash flows

For the 6 months ended 31 October 2019

 
                                         Note            6 months            6 months         12 months 
                                                        to 31 Oct           to 31 Oct         to 30 Apr 
                                                 2019 (unaudited)    2018 (unaudited)    2019 (audited) 
                                                          GBP'000             GBP'000           GBP'000 
--------------------------------------  -----  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Cash generated from operations             6               1,403               4,786             9,463 
 Interest received                                             12                  25                52 
 Interest paid                                              (322)               (297)             (579) 
 Income tax paid                                            (287)               (740)           (1,366) 
--------------------------------------  -----  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Net cash generated from operating 
  activities                                                  806               3,774             7,570 
--------------------------------------  -----  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Purchases of property, plant 
  and equipment                                           (1,376)               (735)           (2,390) 
 Disposal of property, plant 
  and equipment                                               354                 323               393 
 Purchases of intangibles                                   (422)                   -              (10) 
                                                                                       ---------------- 
 Net cash absorbed in investing 
  activities                                              (1,444)               (412)           (2,007) 
--------------------------------------  -----  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Repayment of bank borrowings                                (75)                (75)             (150) 
 Repayments of Invest to Grow 
  loan                                                       (15)                (47)              (95) 
 Payments to lease creditors                              (2,520)             (2,896)           (5,561) 
 Dividends paid                                             (800)             (1,840)           (2,640) 
--------------------------------------  -----  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Net cash absorbed in financing 
  activities                                              (3,410)             (4,858)           (8,446) 
--------------------------------------  -----  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 
 Net decrease in cash and cash 
  equivalents                                             (4,048)             (1,496)           (2,883) 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 
  beginning of period                                       7,997              10,880            10,880 
--------------------------------------  -----  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 
  end of period                             7               3,949               9,384             7,997 
--------------------------------------  -----  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 
 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the 6 months ended 31 October 2019

 
                                                                                Non-controlling 
                                         Share                Share                    interest              Retained               Total 
                                       capital              premium                                          earnings              equity 
                                       GBP'000              GBP'000                     GBP'000               GBP'000             GBP'000 
-------------------------  -------------------  -------------------  --------------------------  --------------------  ------------------ 
 
           Balance at 1 
            May 2018 
            (audited)                    1,600                8,633                          18                31,115              41,366 
-------------------------  -------------------  -------------------  --------------------------  --------------------  ------------------ 
 
           Total 
            comprehensive 
            income                           -                    -                           -                 1,884               1,884 
 Share-based payment 
  expense                                    -                    -                           -                    80                  80 
           Dividend 
            payment                          -                    -                           -               (1,840)             (1,840) 
-------------------------  -------------------  -------------------  --------------------------  --------------------  ------------------ 
                                             -                    -                           -                   124                 124 
-------------------------  -------------------  -------------------  --------------------------  --------------------  ------------------ 
           Balance at 31 
            October 2018 
            (unaudited)                  1,600                8,633                          18                31,239              41,490 
-------------------------  -------------------  -------------------  --------------------------  --------------------  ------------------ 
 
           Total 
            comprehensive 
            income                           -                    -                           -                 1,328               1,328 
           Share-based 
            payment 
            expense                          -                    -                           -                    43                  43 
           Dividend 
            payment                          -                    -                           -                 (800)               (800) 
-------------------------  -------------------  -------------------  --------------------------  --------------------  ------------------ 
                                             -                    -                           -                   571                 571 
-------------------------  -------------------  -------------------  --------------------------  --------------------  ------------------ 
           Balance at 30 
            April 2019 
            (audited)                    1,600                8,633                          18                31,810              42,061 
-------------------------  -------------------  -------------------  --------------------------  --------------------  ------------------ 
 
           Total 
            comprehensive 
            income                           -                    -                           -                   744                 744 
           Share-based 
            payment 
            expense                          -                    -                           -                    80                  80 
           Dividend 
            payment (note 
            1)                               -                    -                           -                 (800)               (800) 
-------------------------  -------------------  -------------------  --------------------------  --------------------  ------------------ 
                                             -                    -                           - 
-------------------------  -------------------  -------------------  --------------------------  --------------------  ------------------ 
           Balance at 31 
            October 2019 
            (unaudited)                  1,600                8,633                          18                31,834              42,085 
-------------------------  -------------------  -------------------  --------------------------  --------------------  ------------------ 
 

Notes to the interim results

For the 6 months ended 31 October 2019

   1.    Basis of preparation 

The unaudited interim consolidated statement of Van Elle Holdings plc is for the six months ended 31 October 2019 and do not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in compliance with the recognition and measurement requirement of International Financial Reporting Standards, International Accounting Standards and Interpretations (collectively IFRSs) as adopted by the EU. They do not include all disclosures that would otherwise be required in a complete set of financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the group's annual report. The unaudited interim consolidated statement has been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies that are expected to be applied in the report and accounts for the year ending 30 April 2020.

The comparative figures for the year ended 30 April 2019 do not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 435 of the Companies Act 2006, but they have been derived from the audited financial statements for that year, which have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors was unqualified and did not contain statements under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006 not a reference to any matters which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis of matter without qualifying their report.

Dividends

The Board has become aware of an irregularity concerning technical compliance with the Companies Act 2006 in respect of the final dividend approved by shareholders at the Company's annual general meeting on 12 September 2019 (the "Dividend").

Note 12 (Dividends) to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group for the year ended 30 April 2019 (the "2018/19 Accounts"), in referring to the Dividend, stated that:

"The Board of the subsidiary company will pay a dividend to the Company in advance of the final proposed dividend being paid to ensure that the Company has sufficient distributable reserves in order to pay the dividend."

Regrettably, as a result of an administrative oversight, the subsidiary company dividend referred to in Note 12 to the 2018/19 Accounts was not made and as a consequence the requisite level of distributable reserves were not available within the Company prior to the payment of the Dividend. In addition, interim accounts should have been filed by the Company in respect of the payment of the Dividend. Consequently, the Dividend is technically unlawful.

The Group's historic reported trading results and financial condition and ability to pay future dividends are entirely unaffected, however to address the unlawful nature of the Dividend the Board intends to call a general meeting of the Company in due course at which various resolutions to address these issues will be proposed.

The directors have no reason to believe that the resolutions to be proposed at the general meeting will not be passed and therefore have accounted for the Dividend as a distribution in these financial statements.

Accounting policies

Except as described below, the accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the unaudited Group interim consolidated statement to 31 October 2019 are consistent with the policies applied by the Group in its consolidated financial statements as at, and for the year ended 30 April 2019.

This is the first set of the Group's financial statements where IFRS 16 Leases has been applied. The impact on this interim consolidated statement and the change to the Group's significant accounting policies are described in further detail below.

IFRS 16 Leases Overview

The Group has initially adopted IFRS 16 Leases from 1 May 2019. IFRS 16 Leases replaces IAS 17 Leases and provides a single lease accounting model, requiring the lessees to recognise right of use assets and lease liabilities in the balance sheet for all applicable leases. The Group has applied the modified retrospective adoption method in IFRS 16, and, therefore only recognised leases on balance sheet as at 1 May 2019. It has decided to measure right-of-use assets by reference to the measurement of the lease liability on that date. This meant there was no immediate impact to net assets on that date. In applying the modified retrospective approach, the Group has taken advantage of the following practical expedients:

-- A single discount rate has been applied to portfolios of leases with reasonably similar characteristics.

-- Initial direct costs have not been included in the measurement of the right-of-use asset as at the date of initial application.

-- For the purposes of measuring the right-of-use asset hindsight has been used. Therefore, it has been measured based on prevailing estimates at the date of initial application and not retrospectively by making estimates and judgements (such as the term of leases) based on circumstances on or after the lease commencement date

At 30 April 2019 operating lease commitments amounted to GBP9,313,000. The effect of discounting those commitments has resulted in lease liabilities of approximately GBP3,961,000 being recognised on 1 May 2019 with a corresponding right-of-use assets of GBP3,659,000, the figures being different due to the offset of GBP302,000 lease incentive accrual against the asset.

Instead of recognising an operating expense for its operating lease payments, the Group has instead recognised interest on its lease liabilities and amortisation on its right-of-use assets.

In the 6 months to 31 October 2019 this has decreased operating lease payments by GBP76,000, increased depreciation by GBP66,000 and finance charges by GBP72,000.

Changes in Accounting policy

The details of the new significant accounting policy and the nature of the change to previous accounting policy in relation to the Group's adoption of IFRS 16 Leases are set out below.

 
 Amended accounting policy           Previous accounting            Nature of change in accounting 
                                      policy                         policy 
 The Group assesses whether                                         The Group previously 
  a contract is or contains                                          determined whether a 
  a lease at inception                                               contract was or contained 
  of the contract. policy                                            a lease under IFRIC 4. 
  in relation to the Group's                                         In practice, all contracts 
  adoption of IFRS 16 Leases                                         that are classified as 
  are set out below.                                                 a lease under IFRS 16 
                                                                     were also previously 
  A contract is or contains                                          classified as a lease 
  a lease if the contract                                            under IFRIC 4 and vice 
  includes the right to                                              versa. 
  control the use of an 
  identified asset for 
  a period of time in exchange 
  for consideration. Factors 
  that are considered when 
  making this assessment 
  include: the Group's 
  right to obtain substantially 
  all the economic benefits 
  from use of the asset; 
  the Group's right to 
  direct the use of the 
  asset; and the supplier's 
  right to substitute the 
  asset 
                                    -----------------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 The Group allocates the             Where substantially            Under IAS 17, the Group 
  consideration in the                all the risks and              previously classified 
  contract to each lease              rewards incidental             leases as operating or 
  component on the basis              to ownership of a              finance leases based 
  of relative stand-alone             leased asset have              on its assessment of 
  selling prices. For each            been transferred to            whether the lease transferred 
  lease component, the                the Group (a "finance          significantly all the 
  Group recognises a right            lease"), the asset             risks and rewards of 
  of use asset and a lease            is treated as if it            ownership to the Group. 
  liability at the lease              had been purchased             Under IFRS 16, the majority 
  commencement date.                  outright. The amount           of the Group's leases 
                                      initially recognised           are recognised on the 
                                      as an asset is the             balance sheet as right 
                                      lower of the fair              of use assets and lease 
                                      value of the leased            liabilities, including 
                                      asset and the present          those arrangements previously 
                                      value of the minimum           classified as either 
                                      lease payments payable         finance leases or operating 
                                      over the term of the           leases under IAS 17. 
                                      lease. The corresponding 
                                      lease commitment is 
                                      shown as a liability. 
                                      Lease payments are 
                                      analysed between capital 
                                      and interest. The 
                                      interest element is 
                                      charged to the consolidated 
                                      statement of comprehensive 
                                      income over the period 
                                      of the lease and is 
                                      calculated so that 
                                      it represents a constant 
                                      proportion of the 
                                      lease liability. The 
                                      capital element reduces 
                                      the balance owed to 
                                      the lessor. 
                                    -----------------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 Lease liabilities are               Where substantially            Lease liabilities were 
  presented as "obligations           all the risks and              only recognised under 
  under leases" in the                rewards incidental             IAS 17 in respect of 
  balance sheet.                      to ownership are not           arrangements classified 
  The lease liability is              transferred to the             as finance leases. This 
  initially measured at               Group (an "operating           distinction no longer 
  the present value of                lease"), the total             exists under IFRS 16. 
  future lease payments,              rentals payable under 
  discounted at the interest          the lease are charged          Where an arrangement 
  rate implicit in the                to the consolidated            was treated as a finance 
  lease. Where the implicit           statement of comprehensive     lease under IAS 17, a 
  interest rate cannot                income on a straight-line      liability was initially 
  be determined, the Group            basis over the lease           recognised equal to the 
  discounts the future                term. The aggregate            value of the asset capitalised 
  lease payments using                benefit of lease incentives    within property, plant 
  its incremental borrowing           is recognised as a             and equipment (see below). 
  rate.                               reduction of the rental        The liability was subsequently 
  The lease liability is              expense over the lease         measured at amortised 
  subsequently measured               term on a straight-line        cost using the effective 
  at amortised cost using             basis.                         interest method. There 
  the effective interest                                             is no material difference 
  method.                                                            between the amounts recognised 
                                                                     as liabilities or as 
                                                                     interest expense for 
                                                                     such arrangements following 
                                                                     the adoption of IFRS 
                                                                     16. 
 
                                                                     Lease payments associated 
                                                                     with operating leases 
                                                                     were recognised as an 
                                                                     expense on a straight-line 
                                                                     basis over the lease 
                                                                     term, with no amounts 
                                                                     being recognised on the 
                                                                     balance sheet. Under 
                                                                     IFRS 16 lease liabilities 
                                                                     are also recognised for 
                                                                     leases previously classified 
                                                                     as operating leases. 
                                                                     The lease liability is 
                                                                     recognised at the present 
                                                                     value of the future lease 
                                                                     payments. 
                                    -----------------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 Right of use assets are                                            Assets were only recognised 
  presented in "property,                                            under IAS 17 in respect 
  plant and equipment"                                               of arrangements classified 
  on the balance sheet.                                              as finance leases. 
 
  The right of use asset                                             Where an arrangement 
  is initially measured                                              was previously treated 
  at cost, representing                                              as a finance lease under 
  the initial amount of                                              IAS 17, an asset was 
  the lease liability adjusted                                       recognised within property, 
  for any up-front lease                                             plant and equipment at 
  payments, direct costs                                             the fair value of the 
  incurred or lease incentives                                       asset or, if lower, the 
  received.                                                          present value of the 
                                                                     minimum lease payments. 
  The right of use asset                                             The asset was subsequently 
  is subsequently depreciated                                        depreciated on the same 
  on a straight-line basis                                           basis as other similar 
  to the earlier of the                                              assets purchased by the 
  end of the useful life                                             Group without recourse 
  of the right of use asset                                          to financing arrangements. 
  or the end of the lease                                            Such assets are now presented 
  term. The estimated useful                                         as right of use assets 
  lives of right of use                                              within property, plant 
  assets are determined                                              and equipment. There 
  on the same basis as                                               is no material difference 
  those of property, plant                                           between the amounts recognised 
  and equipment.                                                     as assets or as depreciation 
                                                                     expense for such arrangements 
                                                                     following the adoption 
                                                                     of IFRS 16. 
 
                                                                     In addition, under IFRS 
                                                                     16 a right of use asset 
                                                                     is now recognised within 
                                                                     property, plant and equipment 
                                                                     for assets under leases 
                                                                     that were previously 
                                                                     classified as operating 
                                                                     leases under IAS 17, 
                                                                     for which were lease 
                                                                     payments were recognised 
                                                                     as an expense on a straight-line 
                                                                     basis over the lease 
                                                                     term, with no amounts 
                                                                     being recognised on the 
                                                                     balance sheet. 
                                    -----------------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 No right of use asset                                              The treatment of short-term 
  or lease liability is                                              leases and leases for 
  recognised in respect                                              low-value assets is unchanged 
  of leases with terms                                               on adoption of IFRS 16 
  of 12 months or less                                               as all such leases were 
  or in relation to low                                              previously classified 
  value assets. Lease payments                                       as operating leases under 
  associated with such                                               IAS 17. 
  leases are recognised 
  as an expense on a straight-line 
  basis over the lease 
  term. 
                                    -----------------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 

Functional currency

The unaudited interim consolidated statements are presented in Sterling, which is also the Group's functional currency. Amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand, unless otherwise stated.

   2.    Segment information 

The Group evaluates segmental performance based on profit or loss from operations calculated in accordance with IFRS but excluding non-recurring losses, such as goodwill impairment and the effects of share-based payments. Specialist Piling includes the specialist and rail business units and Ground Engineering Services comprises housing and geotechnical (Strata) business units. Note that General Piling tends to undertake the larger residential projects. Loans and borrowings, insurances and head office central services' costs are allocated to the segments based on levels of turnover. All turnover and operations are based in the UK.

Operating segments - 6 months to 31 October 2019

 
                                                                                       Ground 
                                      General              Specialist             Engineering                Head                  Total 
                                       Piling                  Piling                Services              Office 
                                      GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000             GBP'000                GBP'000 
------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------  --------------------- 
           Revenue                     17,661                  13,950                  16,855                  58                 48,524 
------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------  --------------------- 
 
           Operating 
           profit 
           Underlying 
            operating 
            profit                        227                     394                     804                  30                  1,455 
           Share-based 
            payments                                                                                         (80)                   (80) 
           Exceptional 
            item                          (8)                    (93)                                        (45)                  (146) 
------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------  --------------------- 
           Operating 
            profit                        219                     301                     804                (95)                  1,229 
 
           Finance 
            expense                                                                                         (322)                  (322) 
           Finance 
            income                                                                                             12                     12 
------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------  --------------------- 
           Profit before 
            tax                           219                     301                     804               (405)                    919 
------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------  --------------------- 
 
           Assets 
           Property, 
            plant 
            & equipment                 2,710                   4,157                   4,785               7,498                 19,150 
           Right-of-use 
            assets                      7,036                   7,720                   3,080               5,151                 22,987 
           Inventories                  1,058                     720                   1,165                  17                  2,960 
------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------  --------------------- 
           Reportable 
            segment 
            assets                     10,804                  12,597                   9,030              12,666                 45,097 
           Intangible 
            assets                                                                                          2,685                  2,685 
           Trade and 
            other 
            receivables                                                                                    21,931                 21,931 
           Cash and cash 
            equivalents                                                                                     3,949                  3,949 
------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------  --------------------- 
           Total assets                10,804                  12,597                   9,030              41,231                 73,662 
------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------  --------------------- 
 
           Liabilities 
           Loans and 
            borrowings                                                                                     14,352                 14,352 
           Trade and 
            other 
            payables                                                                                       15,928                 15,928 
           Provisions                                                                                         236                    236 
           Deferred tax                                                                                     1,061                  1,061 
------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------  --------------------- 
           Total 
            liabilities                                                                                    31,577                 31,577 
------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------  --------------------- 
 
           Other 
           information 
           Capital 
            expenditure                    25                     404                   1,885               3,795                  6,109 
           Depreciation 
            / 
            amortisation                  575                     779                     385                 511                  2,250 
------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------  --------------------- 
 

There are no individual customers accounting for more than 10% of Group revenue in either the current or preceding period/ year.

Operating segments - 6 months to 31 October 2018

 
                                                                                       Ground 
                                      General              Specialist             Engineering                Head               Total 
                                       Piling                  Piling                Services              Office 
                                      GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000             GBP'000             GBP'000 
------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
           Revenue                     18,537                  14,461                   9,923                                  42,921 
------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 
           Operating 
           profit 
           Underlying 
            operating 
            profit                        465                   1,926                     647                   -               3,038 
           Share-based 
            payments                        -                       -                       -                (80)                (80) 
           Exceptional 
            item                            -                       -                       -               (331)               (331) 
------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
           Operating 
            profit                        465                   1,926                     647               (411)               2,627 
 
           Finance 
            expense                         -                       -                       -               (297)               (297) 
           Finance 
            income                          -                       -                       -                  25                  25 
------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
           Profit before 
            tax                           465                   1,926                     647               (683)               2,355 
------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 
           Assets 
           Property, 
            plant 
            & equipment                13,077                  12,458                   4,287               9,216              39,038 
           Inventories                  1,220                     415                     712                  25               2,372 
------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
           Reportable 
            segment 
            assets                     14,297                  12,873                   4,999               9,241              41,410 
           Intangible 
            assets                          -                       -                       -               2,303               2,303 
           Trade and 
            other 
            receivables                     -                       -                       -              19,946              19,946 
           Cash and cash 
            equivalents                     -                       -                       -               9,384               9,384 
------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
           Total assets                14,297                  12,873                   4,999              40,874              73,043 
------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 
           Liabilities 
           Loans and 
            borrowings                      -                       -                       -              15,016              15,016 
           Trade and 
            other 
            payables                        -                       -                       -              15,268              15,268 
           Provisions                       -                       -                       -                 253                 253 
           Deferred tax                     -                       -                       -               1,016               1,016 
------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
           Total 
            liabilities                     -                       -                       -              31,553              31,553 
------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 
           Other 
           information 
           Capital 
            expenditure                 1,113                     367                     147                 359               1,986 
           Depreciation 
            / 
            amortisation                  699                     794                     233                 429               2,155 
------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 

There are no individual customers accounting for more than 10% of Group revenue in either the current or preceding period/ year.

Operating segments - 12 months to 30 April 2019

 
                                                        Ground 
                              General  Specialist  Engineering     Head 
                               Piling      Piling     Services   office    Total 
                              GBP'000     GBP'000      GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000 
----------------------------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
Revenue                        37,201      28,630       22,637        -   88,468 
----------------------------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
Underlying operating 
 profit                         1,238       2,697        1,309        -    5,244 
Share-based payments                -           -            -    (123)    (123) 
Exceptional item                    -           -            -    (559)    (559) 
----------------------------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
Operating profit                1,238       2,697        1,309    (682)    4,562 
Finance expense                     -           -            -    (579)    (579) 
Finance income                      -           -            -       52       52 
----------------------------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
Profit before tax               1,238       2,697        1,309  (1,209)    4,035 
----------------------------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
Assets 
Property, plant and 
 equipment                     11,033      12,434        5,465    9,554   38,486 
Inventories                     1,142         890          828       22    2,882 
----------------------------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
Reportable segment 
 assets                        12,175      13,324        6,293    9,576   41,368 
Intangible assets                   -           -            -    2,289    2,289 
Trade and other receivables         -           -            -   20,676   20,676 
Cash and cash equivalents           -           -            -    7,997    7,997 
----------------------------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
Total assets                   12,175      13,324        6,293   40,538   72,330 
----------------------------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
Liabilities 
Loans and borrowings                -           -            -   12,229   12,229 
Trade and other payables            -           -            -   16,506   16,506 
Provisions                          -           -            -      236      236 
Deferred tax                        -           -            -    1,298    1,298 
----------------------------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
Total liabilities                   -           -            -   30,269   30,269 
----------------------------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
Other information 
Capital expenditure             1,310         656          793      879    3,638 
Depreciation/amortisation       1,249       1,588          581      918    4,336 
----------------------------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
 

There are no individual customers accounting for more than 10% of Group revenue in either the current or preceding period/ year.

   2.   Revenue from contracts with customers 

Disaggregation of revenue - 6 months to 31 October 2019

 
                                                  Ground 
                        General  Specialist  Engineering 
                         Piling      Piling     Services    Total 
End market              GBP'000     GBP'000      GBP'000  GBP'000 
----------------------  -------  ----------  -----------  ------- 
Residential               8,569       1,447       14,903   24,919 
Infrastructure              953      10,361        1,249   12,563 
Regional Construction     8,139       2,107          691   10,937 
Other                         -          35           70      105 
----------------------  -------  ----------  -----------  ------- 
Total                    17,661      13,950       16,913   48,524 
----------------------  -------  ----------  -----------  ------- 
 

Disaggregation of revenue - 6 months to 31 October 2018

 
                                                  Ground 
                        General  Specialist  Engineering 
                         Piling      Piling     Services    Total 
End market              GBP'000     GBP'000      GBP'000  GBP'000 
----------------------  -------  ----------  -----------  ------- 
Residential              10,952       1,989        8,844   21,785 
Infrastructure            1,969       9,485          651   12,105 
Regional Construction     5,373       2,753          320    8,446 
Public                      161         234          108      503 
Other                        82                                82 
----------------------  -------  ----------  -----------  ------- 
Total                    18,537      14,461        9,923   42,921 
----------------------  -------  ----------  -----------  ------- 
 

Disaggregation of revenue - 12 months to 30 April 2019

 
                                                  Ground 
                        General  Specialist  Engineering 
                         Piling      Piling     Services    Total 
End market              GBP'000     GBP'000      GBP'000  GBP'000 
----------------------  -------  ----------  -----------  ------- 
Residential              16,076       2,687       20,044   38,807 
Infrastructure            5,549      20,576        1,545   27,670 
Regional Construction    14,494       5,143          895   20,532 
Public                    1,001         224          153    1,378 
Other                        81           -            -       81 
----------------------  -------  ----------  -----------  ------- 
Total                    37,201      28,630       22,637   88,468 
----------------------  -------  ----------  -----------  ------- 
 
   4.     Exceptional costs 
 
                               6 months            6 months         12 months 
                              to 31 Oct           to 31 Oct         to 30 Apr 
                       2019 (unaudited)    2018 (unaudited)    2019 (audited) 
                                GBP'000             GBP'000           GBP'000 
-------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 
 Exceptional costs                  146                 331               559 
-------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 

Exceptional costs for the six months to 31 October 2019 relate to restructuring and redundancy costs related to restructuring of the Group.

Prior year exceptional costs related to restructuring and redundancy costs.

   5.       Earnings per share 

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data:

 
                                                6 months            6 months           12 months 
                                               to 31 Oct           to 31 Oct           to 30 Apr 
                                        2019 (unaudited)    2018 (unaudited)      2019 (audited) 
                                                    '000                '000                '000 
------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 Basic weighted average number 
  of shares                                       80,000              80,000            80,000 
 Dilutive potential ordinary shares                    -                   -                 - 
  from share options 
------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Diluted weighted average number 
  of shares                                       80,000              80,000            80,000 
------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 
                                                 GBP'000             GBP'000           GBP'000 
------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Profit for the period/year                          744               1,884             3,212 
------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Add back / (deduct): 
 Share-based payments                                 80                  80               123 
 Exceptional costs                                   146                 331               559 
 Tax effect of the above                            (28)                (63)             (106) 
------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Underlying profit for the year                      942               2,232             3,788 
------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 
                                                   Pence               Pence             Pence 
------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Earnings per share 
 Basic                                               0.9                 2.4               4.0 
 Diluted                                             0.9                 2.4               4.0 
 Basic - excluding exceptional 
  costs and share-based payments                     1.2                 2.8               4.7 
 Diluted - excluding exceptional 
  costs and share-based payments                     1.2                 2.8               4.7 
------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 

The calculation of the basic earnings per share is based on the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders and on 80,000,000 ordinary shares (6 months ended 31 Oct 2018: 80,000,000 and 12 months ended 30 Apr 2019: 80,000,000) being the weighted average number of ordinary shares.

The underlying earnings per share is based on profit adjusted for exceptional operating costs and share-based payment charges, net of tax, and on the same weighted average number of shares used in the basic earnings per share calculation above. The Directors consider that this measure provides an additional indicator of the underlying performance of the Group.

There is no dilutive effect of the share options as performance conditions remain unsatisfied and the share price was below the exercise price.

   6.     Cash generated from operations 
 
                                                  6 months            6 months         12 months 
                                                 to 31 Oct           to 31 Oct         to 30 Apr 
                                          2019 (unaudited)    2018 (unaudited)    2019 (audited) 
                                                   GBP'000             GBP'000           GBP'000 
--------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Operating profit                                    1,229               2,627             4,562 
 Adjustments for: 
 Depreciation of property, plant 
  and equipment                                      2,224               2,131             4,291 
 Amortisation of intangible assets                      26                  24                45 
 Profit on disposal of property, 
  plant and equipment                                (120)                 (8)              (26) 
 Share-based payment expense                            80                  80               123 
--------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Operating cash flows before movement 
  in working capital                                 3,439               4,854             8,995 
 Decrease/(Increase) in inventories                   (78)                 193             (317) 
 Decrease/(Increase) in trade and 
  other receivables                                (1,372)               2,279             1,666 
 (Decrease)/Increase in trade and 
  other payables                                     (586)             (2,523)             (847) 
 Decrease in provisions                                  -                (17)              (34) 
--------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 Cash generated from operations                      1,403               4,786             9,463 
--------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 
   7.     Analysis of cash and cash equivalents and reconciliation to net debt 
 
                                31 Oct 2019    31 Oct 2018   30 Apr 2019 
                                (unaudited)    (unaudited)     (audited) 
                                    GBP'000        GBP'000       GBP'000 
----------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Cash at bank                         3,901          9,340         7,953 
 Cash in hand                            48             44            44 
----------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Cash and cash equivalents            3,949          9,384         7,997 
 Bank loans secured                   (900)        (1,050)         (975) 
 Other loans secured                      -           (62)          (15) 
----------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Plant and equipment leases         (9,491)       (13,902)      (11,239) 
 Property leases                    (3,961) 
----------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Total lease liability             (13,452)       (13,902)      (11,239) 
----------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Net debt                          (10,403)        (5,630)       (4,232) 
----------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 

Property leases at 31 October 2019 are right-of-use assets capitalised under IFRS16.

INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO VAN ELLE HOLDINGS PLC

Introduction

We have been engaged by the company to review the unaudited interim consolidated statement in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 31 October 2019 which comprises the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of financial position, the consolidated statement of cash flows, the consolidated statement of changes in equity and the related notes.

We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the unaudited interim consolidated statement.

Directors' responsibilities

The interim report, including the financial information contained therein, is the responsibility of and has been approved by the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the interim report in accordance with the rules of the London Stock Exchange for companies trading securities on AIM which require that the half-yearly report be presented and prepared in a form consistent with that which will be adopted in the company's annual accounts having regard to the accounting standards applicable to such annual accounts.

Our responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the company a conclusion on the unaudited interim consolidated statement in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.

Our report has been prepared in accordance with the terms of our engagement to assist the company in meeting the requirements of the rules of the London Stock Exchange for companies trading securities on AIM and for no other purpose. No person is entitled to rely on this report unless such a person is a person entitled to rely upon this report by virtue of and for the purpose of our terms of engagement or has been expressly authorised to do so by our prior written consent. Save as above, we do not accept responsibility for this report to any other person or for any other purpose and we hereby expressly disclaim any and all such liability.

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity", issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the unaudited interim consolidated statement in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 31 October 2019 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the rules of the London Stock Exchange for companies trading securities on AIM.

BDO LLP

Chartered Accountants

Nottingham

21 January 2020

BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC305127).

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

END

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